BACOLOD CITY – Nineteen employees of the Negros Occidental provincial government – three regulars, seven job order casual, three contract, and six security guards – tested positive during a surprise drug test last December.
NEGROS Occidental provincial government employees take a surprise drug test in Bacolod City on Dec. 18, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Capitol PIO)
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the drug tests were conducted on Dec. 17 and 18.
Diaz said that the provincial government decided not to renew the employment of job order workers and contract employees, while the security guards from a security agency were not allowed to continue working beginning this month.
The three regular employees, Diaz said, will be subjected to a confirmatory test. He added that they will have to undergo rehabilitation if they want to be reinstated. Otherwise, they may face grave misconduct charges.
About 1,800 provincial government employees took the test at the provincial capitol here that aims to ensure a drug-free work environment.